Here’s How Mayonnaise and Miracle Whip Are Different, According to the Government

Drop “mayonnaise or Miracle Whip” in a conversation, and people have feelings — a lot of them. Though found near each other in a grocery store, these creamy condiments are often talked about like they don’t even exist in the same universe. Passionate opinions aside, there are some important technical differences between mayo and Miracle Whip. Here’s what to know.

Related: The Foolproof Trick to Making Mayonnaise at Home

What is mayonnaise?

Mayonnaise is a thick and creamy condiment that is an emulsion of oil, acid (typically vinegar or lemon juice), and egg yolks. In his book, On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen, author Harold McGee defines an emulsion as “a mixture of two incompatible liquids, one of them broken up into tiny droplets that are suspended throughout the other.” In mayo’s case, the incompatible liquids (oil and acid) are slowly added to, and emulsified by, the egg yolks. This emulsion, when done properly, creates the classic condiment for egg salad, salad dressings, and dips.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also has its own (very specific) definition of the multi-purpose sauce. According to its guidelines, in order for a product to be labeled and sold as mayonnaise in the U.S., it must contain vegetable oil, acidic ingredients (such as vinegar or lemon juice), and “egg yolk-containing ingredients” like liquid, frozen, or dried whole eggs or egg yolks.

Related: You Might Be Buying the Wrong Type of Kewpie Mayo

What is Miracle Whip?

Miracle Whip is a creamy, spreadable, mayonnaise-like condiment that is technically a dressing. First introduced at the World’s Fair in Chicago in 1933 by Kraft (then known as the Kraft-Phenix Cheese Corporation), Miracle Whip was marketed as a cheaper alternative to mayonnaise during the height of the Great Depression. Today, Miracle Whip is made from soybean oil, high-fructose corn syrup, vinegar, eggs, spices, and water. As of 2015, the trademark for Miracle Whip belongs to Kraft-Heinz. Miracle Whip comes in varieties that include Original, Light, and “Mayo-Like,” with the latter formulated to produce a texture and flavor that is closer to mayonnaise but still has its signature tang.

What’s the difference between mayonnaise and Miracle Whip?

To be clear: Miracle Whip is not mayonnaise. According to the FDA regulations, in order to be marketed and sold as mayonnaise, the product must meet the ingredient guidelines listed above and contain at least 65% vegetable oil. Miracle Whip contains less than 65% soybean oil (the exact amount is not disclosed), which classifies it as a dressing.

Because Miracle Whip has less oil and a higher sugar content than most mayonnaise brands like Hellman’s or Dukes, it has a lighter texture, thinner consistency, and sweeter flavor than mayonnaise. Miracle Whip also contains roughly half the calories and fat of mayo, although it isn’t necessarily “healthier” since it tends to include more additives and sugar.

Can you substitute Miracle Whip for mayonnaise?

Flavor preferences aside, you can generally get away with substituting Miracle Whip for mayonnaise as a condiment on a sandwich, or as a replacement for mayo in pasta salad or potato salad.

However, in some recipes, particularly in baked goods, Miracle Whip is not capable of replacing a full-fat mayonnaise. Similar to substituting margarine for butter, it can significantly affect the final texture and flavor.

Related: 7 Brilliant Mayonnaise Substitutes for Sandwiches, Salads, and More

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